Affordable Care Act (ACA)

Signed into law in March 2010, the Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare) reformed the way health care is handled in the United States. Originally signed under the title of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the ACA now prohibits insurers from denying coverage for preexisting health conditions and also set up health care exchanges where every American could register. This health care act was established to help Americans who previously could not afford the rising price of health care. To help ensure that all Americans apply for health care coverage, the ACA will fine those who "opt-out" of getting health care.